I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles

Two Young Carers had to drop out at very short notice, but the other 4 teenage girls and two teenage boys joined us on the Friday evening for a weekend away on the canal. We only had a short trip on the Friday evening, but then on Saturday went down to Cassio Rare Breeds Farm then on to Rickmansworth for the night. On Sunday we visited the Rickmansworth Waterways Trust, including a visit to their historic boat Roger before returning to base.

The group were all strangers to each other when they met on the Friday, and started off very quiet and withdrawn. Conversations soon started to flow, though, and before long they were chatting quietly to each other. By around 10.30pm, they were chatting and laughing away. Round about 2am they were still going strong, and continued to do so for some time afterwards. We felt that they needed this break, and that it was their weekend, so we didn’t stop them. Fortunately, by Saturday evening, they were a good deal more tired, and went to their beds soon after 11.00pm.

They all had a go at working locks, and soon learned what to do, and everyone that we could cajole into doing so had a go at steering. Otherwise, there was lots of chat, music, games, ….. and, of course, bubbles. As ever, the squirrel monkeys, meercats and other animals were memorable, and they were amazed (and rather appalled) at living condition on a working narrowboat in the 1930’s. By the end of the weekend, they were firm friends, and swapped contact details so that they could keep in touch. There were lots of good comments from the young people at the end of the trip, and I felt privileged to be able to give these fantastic young people a bit of a different experience and some time away to chill and chat.

John Bennett April 2017

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Trips available throughout the winter …

We operate year round - call our friendly booking team on 01923 723819 for information and to arrange your group's great value canal cruise.
Festive cruises during December include complimentary mulled wine and mince pies

What people say about our trips

There was enough room to sit at least eight on the deck and more inside. We bought our own camping chairs but there are some fold up chairs available on board. The boat was wider than we had previously experienced so the younger and older members were able to move about with ease without bumping into each other or having to move out of the way, which was great as we had expected the boat to be 'narrow'. The opportunity to have a take away fish and chips meal brought to the boat was a bonus and meant that I didn't have to do the catering. The meal was also reasonably priced and the serving was huge - even by my family's standards! The trip was very good value for money and I have recommended Waterways Experiences to my friends and would extend the recommendation to anyone reading this review. This was a 50th birthday treat from my mum and aunt and it was exactly how I wanted to spend my birthday.

We all had an amazing day, everyone said how friendly the crew were and how helpful, this made such a difference to the day. When asking the team how they felt they used the words excellent, amazing, perfect and a very special team day out. It was great fun every minute of it.

This was a great family day out and our needs were fully met. We all had the opportunity to work the locks and steer the boat - and if we chose to relax on deck instead, that was fine. The crew were very friendly and it was a delight to be able to include a crew member's dog (our permission had been sought beforehand). This made the trip extra special.

We really enjoy the boat trips almost as much as the service users! Its not like being at work at all! We recommend wherever we can to fellow groups as the service you offer is so good & excellent value for money.

A really wonderful experience for us all - beautiful boat, beautiful scenery, beautiful day and a wonderful and fun crew. Thank you all so much.

Very enjoyable - your adaptable and friendly staff made us extremely welcome and were appreciative of the needs of a class of 10 year olds.

I have already been telling all my friends what a fantastic trip it was and will like the same crew Pete, Graham and Maggie and not forgetting Ruby. The crew are all so friendly and made it even more special We can't thank the crew enough for such a memorable experience!!!!

Never been on a canal trip before enjoyed the whole experience and will definitely recommend it. No need to worry about lack of experience everything so well explained.

A wonderful day, thoroughly enjoyed by all participants. Not always easy to achieve. As much or as little as one wanted to do. All the extra bits usually missing from self-catering facilities, tea towels, washing up liquid and sponge, salt, pepper etc all present and correct! Amazing! You really can "just bring milk" as suggested.

The party of elderly folk we had on board thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Without hesitation I will recommend you to anyone I think will enjoy and benefit from a time on the water. I look forward to another trip!

I was really impressed by the boat, crew and back office. It made the day the best it could have been. The crew was extremely friendly and integrated the guests into enjoying the running of the boat, helping with locks and steering. All in all a very professionally run day and I would not hesitate to book again in the future.

We had a wonderful day - the sunny weather helped! There were 22 of us which was a good number and meant that there was lots of room. It was an extremely relaxing, well organised day. Thank you.

Wonderful day out enjoyed by all. Residents haven't stopped talking about how lovely it was. The crew were so helpful which took away a lot of the usual stresses when arranging a day trip for our residents.

Fantastic day out run by a brilliant company and it’s all for a good cause.

The whole group went away very impressed with the evening, very keen to come back, thinking of ways to use the boats for other groups and complimenting the skipper and crew on the quality of the experience.

All our party thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They loved the serenity, calmness, the scenery, the ducks, swans and wildlife.

It was a fantastic experience, the trip was very enjoyable for children and adults alike. It made my daughter's birthday very special.